2026 Budget: Senate Seeks Enhanced Training For FRSC, Increased Funding For NIPSS

The Nigerian Senate has called for sustained training, capacity building, and enhanced safety programmes for personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), stressing that continuous professional development is critical to effective road safety administration across the country.

The call was made on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Allwell Onyesoh, during the review of the Corps’ 2025 budget performance and the consideration of its 2026 budget proposal.

Senator Onyesoh noted that regular training and retraining would strengthen discipline, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service delivery nationwide.

“Road safety management is dynamic. The FRSC must institutionalise regular training and retraining programmes for its personnel. Our officers must be equipped with modern skills, technology-driven knowledge, and global best practices to meet emerging challenges,” he said.

Presenting the FRSC’s report, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, disclosed that the agency generated over ₦4 billion in revenue in 2025. He said the revenue was realised from fines, number plate registrations, and driver’s licence fees, reflecting improved enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

While commending the Corps for improved professionalism and prompt response to road safety concerns despite funding constraints, the committee reiterated the need for sustained capacity building to ensure that officers in active service meet international standards in prevention and rescue operations.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the FRSC proposed a total expenditure of ₦129.13 billion, comprising ₦99.74 billion for personnel cost, ₦26.96 billion for overhead cost, and ₦2.43 billion for capital expenditure.

The committee also reviewed the 2026 budget proposal of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), presented by its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Ayo Omotayo. The institute proposed a total budget of ₦4.02 billion for the 2026 fiscal year.

After the review, the committee urged improved funding to ensure effective implementation of NIPSS programmes and encouraged the institute to sustain its ongoing reforms despite prevailing challenges. It also advised the institute to review its age criteria to accommodate younger applicants seeking to enhance their policy knowledge and leadership capacity.

Speaking on inclusivity, Senator Onyesoh said there was a need to balance institutional standards with evolving national realities.

“While preserving the institute’s standards and traditions, there is a compelling need to review certain age requirements to create room for younger Nigerians who can contribute fresh perspectives to national policy and strategic development,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), represented by David Eze, submitted a proposed budget of ₦22.29 billion for the 2026 fiscal year. The proposal includes ₦7.13 billion for personnel cost, ₦8.72 billion for overhead cost, and ₦6.45 billion for capital expenditure.

Other lawmakers present at the session included the Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, as well as Adams Oshiomhole, Victor Umeh, Amos Yohanna, Binos Yaroe, Kelvin Chukwu, Osita Ngwu, and the committee’s Vice Chairman, Diket Plang, among others.

The budget proposals will proceed to further legislative consideration as part of the 2026 appropriation process.